eBooks are the future. They’re the future of publishing, the future of online training, the future of information marketing, and the future of online learning platforms.
However, there may come a time when you want your eBook to turn physical, for whatever reason. Maybe you want something tangible to give away to friends at a party or as a gift. Maybe you want it for your sponsors or just to display it in your room or office as a proof that you’ve finished. Whatever the reason, there are many websites that can provide you with the tools you need to print your eBook. Here are a few of our favorites.

CreateSpace

“Createspace can publish eBooks as well as hard copies of your eBook”

CreateSpace is the eBook publishing arm of Amazon. All you need to do in order to see your book in physical form is to upload a formatted pdf file and a cover, and you’re finished. CreateSpace works with online publishers, such as Amazon Online, and also offers many options to those looking to publish through paid channels. It also lets you digitally proof your book or do it in print. Copies of physical books of all sizes are provided cheaply to the authors, and printing is usually quick.

Lulu

Lulu Self-Publishing is another website where you can publish your completed manuscript as an eBook or on paper. This site is a little more high-quality than CreateSpace, but it doesn’t have access to many channels. It does, however, allow you to create the highest quality book you can imagine. You can publish in different sizes, colors, and formats, which is a great way to access different customer bases. Unlike CreateSpace, their turnaround time is instantaneous. You don’t have to approve a digital or physical proof before you order your book the way you do with CreateSpace. As soon as you upload a book interior and a cover, you’re good to print as many copies as you want immediately. Selling them, of course, is mostly up to you, though Lulu does offer consultations for a fee.

AuthorHouse

“AuthorHouse is the oldest eBook publishing company”

AuthorHouse has been in the business of self-publishing for longer than almost any other company, and their expertise shows. They have an excellent track record and quality and rarely fail to deliver top-of-the-line work. However, their age also tends to show. Sometimes they’re slower to respond to online inquiries and rely instead on word of mouth. This means that they don’t have a lot of transparency between the company and the customers. It also means that they retain a lot of creative control; every book published has to be approved by AuthorHouse. If you don’t want to give up any control of your book, your best bet is to stick to Lulu or CreateSpace. Otherwise, you’ll be setting yourself up for a lengthy review process, at the end of which you might not even get published. However, if you want the company with the most extensive track record, AuthorHouse is a good solid, dependable choice.
Out of three self-publishing companies—CreateSpace, Lulu, and AuthorHouse—there are a variety of advantages and drawbacks. AuthorHouse has been around longest; Lulu prints physical copies faster; CreateSpace gives you access to more publishing options. Whichever you choose, do thorough research before signing anything.